Virginia Democrats are strongly criticizing a recent proposal by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) to rename the Washington Dulles International Airport after former President Donald Trump.
The bill, presented on Friday, seeks to designate the Virginia airport, situated approximately 26 miles outside of Washington, D.C., as the “Donald J. Trump International Airport.”
According to Reschenthaler, President Donald J. Trump’s leadership has led to the greatest period in our nation’s history. He believes that there is no better representation of freedom, prosperity, and strength than hearing the words “Welcome to Trump International Airport” as travelers arrive on American soil.
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has received the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Republican Representatives Michael Chuck Fleischmann (Tenn.), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Troy Nehls (Texas), Andy Ogles (Tenn.), Barry Moore (Ala.), and Mike Waltz (Fla.).
The former president’s move has already attracted attention from a number of Democrats in the state, including Rep. Gerry Connolly, who pointed out the multiple criminal charges he is currently facing.
According to Connolly, if Republicans are looking to honor someone, he suggests that they consider naming a federal prison after him.
Rep. Don Breyer (D-Va.) vividly remembers the utter chaos that unfolded after Trump made the fateful decision in 2017 to sign an executive order imposing a ban on travelers from various Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States.
During his visit, Breyer went to the facility to provide reassurance to the families who were affected. He now associates these difficult memories with Dulles Airport.
“I vividly recall how Republicans, including the authors of this bill, evaded the issue and provided vague responses when confronted with the distress caused by Trump’s Muslim ban,” Breyer expressed. “They are well aware that Dulles will never be renamed after Trump. However, that is not the crux of the matter; their intention is simply to appease their revered leader.”
President Joe Biden reversed the Muslim ban in 2021.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), who is currently running for governor in the state, strongly criticized the legislation, describing it as both “ridiculous” and unfortunately, a reality. She emphasized that the lower chamber should be focusing on more pressing priorities.
On Tuesday, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) shared his thoughts on the bill, humorously stating, “April fools was yesterday.”
Given the slim majority the GOP holds in the House and the opposition it will encounter in the Democratic-controlled Senate, it is highly unlikely that the bill will be passed.
Opened in 1962, the airport in Virginia’s Fairfax County is named after Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, known for his service during President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration from 1953 to 1959.
